Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Mary Rose Loney on Thursday defended Mayor Richard Daley’s planned $1 billion terminal expansion at O’Hare International Airport before Arlington Heights Village Board members and residents who questioned whether the plan means runway expansion and more noise.
Residents are also concerned that federal transportation officials have also called for lifting the cap on hourly flights on O’Hare.
Trustees sought assurances that the expansion plan would not increase noise.
About 15 citizens attended the meeting, and most expressed concern about airport noise.
“What assurances do we have, and what assurances do the residents of the community have, that the number of flights will not increase because of your plan?” asked Trustee Dwight Walton.
Loney repeatedly said the increase in the number of flights was forecast at less than 1 percent per year. And no runways are in the capital expansion plan, she said.
“I think we have made significant progress on noise reduction,” Loney said, referring to the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, a city-suburban coalition of school and municipal leaders in communities affected by airport noise.
Loney said it is necessary for the City of Chicago to add gates and terminals for more international service in order to stay competitive with other airports.
The expansion plan would allow international travelers to go through customs more easily before making connections with domestic flights.
